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Health Professions & Social Services

SWAP University Access to Nursing

Campus Milton Road Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 6

Study mode Full time

Start date Aug 2025

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Course overview

Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP) are for adults with few or no formal qualifications and who have been out of full-time education for at least three years.

This course is specifically designed for individuals who wish to return to education and progress to degree-level study.

Successful completion can lead you to a place on an HNC or degree course at a college or university in the east of Scotland (for more information about SWAP and progression options, visit the SWAP East website.

This is a competitive course; you will need to attend an interview to be considered. You must consider what you write in your personal statement and demonstrate to us your reasons for applying and your motivation to become a nurse, as well as any relevant work experience you have.  

What you will learn

You will study the following subjects on the course:

  • Communications 4
  • Literature 1
  • Higher Care units (Human Development and Behaviour, Social Influences, Values and Principles)
  • Higher Human Biology units
  • Numeracy
  • IT
  • Dementia
  • Foundations of Care Practice

How the course is assessed

  • Essays
  • Reports
  • SQA National Assessments

Number of days per week

  • 4 days per week

Entry requirements

  • You must have been out of formal education for more than three years
  • Experience of working in a care setting is desirable but not essential 
  • A positive attitude, good communication skills and a genuine interest in nursing 
  • A good level of general education would be desirable 
  • A personal statement that demonstrates to us your reasons for applying for the course, wanting to become a nurse and also the relevance of any work experience that you have 

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

  • You will attend an interview, during which you will be asked to complete a written piece of work.

English Proficiency Requirements

IELTS 5.5

Progression and Articulation Routes

  • Universities across Scotland offer courses in Adult, Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Child Nursing 
  • Please note that this course will not give you access to Midwifery
  • Please visit the SWAP East website's progression service

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date
Milton Road Campus Full time 25/08/25
Sighthill Campus Full time 25/08/25

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